According to the New Mexico Department of Health, over 1.6 million opioid prescriptions were filled in the state in 2016. At the same time, between 2001 and 2016 New Mexico’s drug overdose death rate increased at the same time opioid sales to pharmacies increased.

Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse can often lead to illegal drug use. Nationwide, among new heroin users, 75 percent report having abused prescription opioids before using heroin, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Since the very first Take-Back Day in fall of 2010, New Mexico has collected 85,858 pounds of medication.